From the biased perspective of a Knoxville native, I enjoyed this book immensely. As an East Tennessee land surveyor, and one growing up in the Karns community, I am personally acquainted with a number of people mentioned in the book and familiar with every landmark mentioned. Therefore, Her Deadly Web holds a unique fascination for me, as it surely will for many locals.
Here is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and influence pedaling. What begins as "innocent favors" for friends or the like-minded can quickly progress to a cover-up for criminal activity. And there is no question that Raynella Dossett-Leath received preferential treatment on several fronts. I hope that all officials will recognize this story as an object lesson concerning the critical importance of detachment and objectivity. Public officials, law enforcement and investigators owe the public the duty of integrity. Too often, this duty is treated flippantly. The author's recounting of the corrupt behavior of those entrusted with our protection is as shocking as it is frustrating. I had forgotten about the sordid conduct of medical examiner Randall Pedigo and his role in the case, only to be followed by a subsequent scandal involving his successor. If people only did their jobs simply and competently, events would have unfolded very differently.
An epilogue of malfeasance is missing from the book, due to the timing of publication. Knox County Judge Richard Baumgartner, presiding in the Dossett-Leath case, stepped down and was disbarred in October 2011 amidst a sex and drug scandal. As a result, the verdict in the case may well be overturned. Baumgartner's wrongdoing has hit Knoxville hard, most notably resulting in a retrial in the heartbreaking torture-slaying of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom.
For those unfamiliar with East Tennessee culture, Her Deadly Web will likely fail to hold as much interest as it did for me. It is difficult for me to say how an outsider would rate it: perhaps a solid three stars.
(The book is competently written, but could use better editing as there are numerous grammatical or usage errors. "Prostrate" is used for "prostate," "statue" for statute, etc. I did not find it distracting enough to detract from the story.)
Update: In the wake of the recent Italian cruise ship disaster comes this quote from the wife of the port authority chief Gregorio De Falco, who urged the captain to return to his ship; "People who simply live up to their everyday responsibilities are suddenly becoming idols, personalities and heroes in this country."
Indeed.
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